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1 Apr 2012

A - Z Writing Challenge: A

The
letter for today is: A,

where I feature aggravation
and apple.

At
a young age, eating an apple provided
the best of experiences. But I became agitated
when I couldn't eat every last bit, consoling myself with nibbling around the
seeds and stalk. Agitation plagued
me each time I tried to achieve perfection, like remembering a poem to
entertain my sisters. At the age of ten, I didn't realize memory wasn't an
attribute I'd assimilate.

In
my thirties, my children's shortcomings agitated
me. How could they forget what I'd taught them? I spent every spare moment
setting a good example and they didn't follow in my footsteps. I never gave up
hope, although I finally stepped back when they left home.

Of
course, maturity brings understanding. It's not so easy to eat an apple any more with my crooked teeth.
And as far as influencing anyone else, I might as well forget it.

Each
person makes their own choice and must operate within their own parameters. The
only person who rouses my aggravation
now—is myself.

34 comments:

Maybe you could slice up the apples or just eat applesauce. It's funny how the little things do seem to "aggravate" us the most! Nice to meet you through A to Z, and hope to see more of you! Thanks Francene! Julie

Clever, short little A-Z post. I know mine was a bit long but I actually cut a fair bit. Ann had a lot to say. However, a reader is always welcome to skip through a post and I'm pretty sure scarcely anyone reads every word. Mine will vary as bloggers share.

I really identify with those A type agitations, right down to the apple. I'd forgotten how I used to nibble right down and round the core. I now grate an apple into some yogurt. It makes a refreshing start to my breakfast.

Hope you don't mind me saying but I had trouble finding your Follow box. Might be better to bring it up to above all those many many A to Z people.

I read thru your post twice to see much reflection here. Funny how something as simple as an apple can link almost a life history, compressed into bits (or should I say 'bites'?). I would have liked to know more about those sisters. And poetry. Great start to A-Z.

Hi Francene,You get extra points for using TWO a words! I respectfully disagree with your statement about influencing others. Everyone, no matter what behavior, is influenced by the people around them. You've left your imprint on your children. They may not acknowledge that right now, but it's my opinion that it's true. I wish you well in this challenge, and it was a pleasure to meet you. Thanks for your visit to my place.Tina @ Life is GoodCo-Host of the April A to Z ChallengeTwitter: @AprilA2Z #atozchallenge

Well, Ms. Francene, you certainly DO influence me (and I'm guessing a whole bunch of IWWers for whom your crits are pearls of wisdom to be cherished and treasured) :D Great post... I love how you took two simple words and weaved them together into a slice of biography. Look forward to more!

It's funny. I really didn't like apples when I was kid. Even though it was "nature's toothbrush" and my mom was a dental assistant. But now that I'm older, I really do appreciate the ability to take big bite out of one.

I had to laugh, Francene. I learned to eat apples core and all. Nothing left to nibble at; I just downed the whole thing. I do like how reflective this short piece is about your sisters, your kids, and you. Very nice post.

Wise point, Francene! And you're absolutely right - but I think even more than your insight into aggravation, I love the line eating an apple provided the best of experiences. It's true - something so simple can be so exquisite when appreciated.